Crack Chicken Penne

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 373 Views

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (or homemade ranch seasoning mixed with buttermilk and mayo)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (or 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta shape you like)
  • Water for boiling pasta
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the skillet, let rest for a couple of minutes, then slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Crack Chicken Sauce

  1. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and combined.
  2. Season the sauce: Add the ranch seasoning mix (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  3. Add cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon bits. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Combine pasta and chicken: Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.
  2. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and extra bacon bits if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side salad or veggies!

Tips:

  • Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and mix with the cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
  • Try other pasta shapes: You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta for variety.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/4 of the Recipe):

  • Calories: 600-700 kcal (depending on portion size and ingredients)
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g